Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science, Ball State University

Welcome

Welcome to the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science (SPESES) web page. As our Mission Statement describes, we are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for the undergraduate and graduate student, advancing the knowledge base of our respective disciplines through scholarly productivity, and serving the university, profession, and the community at large.

For prospective students and parents. SPESES is one of six academic units within the College of Applied Sciences and Technology. We offer five undergraduate programs of study: aquatics, athletic training, exercise science, physical education/teacher education, and sport administration. Minor areas of study include: adapted physical activity, coaching, physical activity for the older adult, and sports medicine. At the graduate level, there are two degree tracks: an MA/MS in physical education and sport (with specializations in adapted physical education, coaching, physical education/teacher education, sport and exercise psychology, and sport administration) and an MA/MS in exercise science (with specializations in biomechanics, clinical exercise physiology, exercise physiology, and sport performance). A Ph.D. in human bioenergetics is offered in the Human Performance Laboratory. Currently, over 1000 students are enrolled in the undergraduate majors and minor areas of study and approximately 150 students are enrolled in graduate studies. In addition to these academic areas of study, the School delivers the physical fitness/wellness course in the university core curriculum.   This program engages over 3500 students annually in a variety of physical activity courses and lecture.

Our laboratory and activity spaces offer our students many opportunities to apply concepts learned in the classroom. Some of these areas include the Adult Physical Fitness Center, the Athletic Training Laboratory, the Undergraduate Exercise Science Laboratory, the Human Performance Laboratory, the Biomechanics Laboratory, the Teacher Education Resource Laboratory, and gymnasium space. Moreover, many of our programs offer experiential learning in the form of practicums, clinical hours, internships, and student teaching.

To learn more about our academic programs and faculty I encourage you to access the links on the left hand side of the page. Better yet, plan to visit us, meet with program faculty, and see firsthand the exceptional experience we can offer.

For our current students.   You will find information about your respective programs through links on this page, but also through the program-specific Communities on Blackboard. Please check with your Advisor or Program Coordinator if you have a problem accessing the Blackboard Community for your Program.   In case you are not aware, many of the undergraduate programs have active student organizations, and if you are not already involved with your programs organization, I encourage you to do so. We also maintain an Undergraduate Student Advisory Board that meets regularly with School administrators to discuss a wide range of issues related to your programs.

For our alumni, retired faculty, and friends. School alumni, retirees, and friends, we want to welcome you back! Yes, we miss you and want to hear from you! Feel free to send me an e-mail and let me know what you are doing – my e-mail address is below. I also want you to know that we now have an  Alumni Advisory Board. This newly formed group is helping us determine ways to reconnect with alumni across all of our programs, and to partner with our faculty to offer real world experiences to our students during their educational journey.

Whether you are a prospective student, a current student, alumnus, retiree, or friend, I look forward to hearing from you and would enjoy telling you more about the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science.

All the best,

Tony Mahon
Professor and Interim Chair
tmahon@bsu.edu